"Andre Miller shoots over Lamar Odom during the Blazers victory over the Lakers Friday night at the Rose Garden. Although he appears more at ease, and is playing as well as he has all season, Andre Miller says none of it has to do with his animated talk with coach Nate McMillan last week.

In fact, the veteran point guard said he is still far from being comfortable in the Trail Blazers organization.

"It's going to take some time," Miller said Tuesday. "It just is."

The playing style remains mostly halfcourt and methodical, which go against his strengths. Late-game situations call for the ball in Brandon Roy's hands, and the need for shooters to help spread the floor and create space for the All-Star. Miller admits that player is not him.

And he says his quiet nature, never an issue in the other cities, has been misconstrued here in Portland, by teammates, coaches, media and fans.

Despite all those challenges, Miller feels the process of settling in with the Blazers is beginning -- at least on the court.

"I'm getting into a comfort zone," Miller said.

When Miller was signed as a free agent this summer, Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said the book on Miller was that he starts the season slowly, then gradually gets better, posting improved numbers by January.

Even though a study of Miller's career numbers indicate relatively consistent statistics month-to-month, Pritchard's theory is being backed up in the first two weeks of January.

After averaging 11.1 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 27.2 minutes in the first 34 games, Miller in five games in January is averaging 18.4 points, 8.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 39 minutes.

Miller said it's because he has adopted a new frame of mind.

Early in the season, he said he was "passive," spending his time studying his teammates and learning the Blazers system. He was more worried about fitting in than making an impact."